cheeser@dasys1.UUCP (09/28/87)
TECH TIDBITS
SPECIAL ON-LINE SERVICES EDITION U
March through August, 1987 Macintosh - Volume IV
MACINTOSH FAMILY
MacII Monochrome Monitor to Apple Color High Resolution Monitor Upgrade
=====================================================================
On August 3, 1987 Apple Computer Inc., announced a program that allows
customers to exchange their Apple Macintosh II Monochrome Monitors purchased
by October 31, 1987 for full credit toward the purchase of an Apple Color High
Resolution Monitor purchased during the first quarter of 1988. The monochrome
monitor can be returned to an Apple-Authorized Dealer between January 1, l988
and March 31, 1988. The new policy is a response to the greater than
anticipated demand and the slower than expected availability of the AppleColor
High-Resolution RGB monitors.
MacPlus Memory Upgrades
=======================
The Macintosh Plus may now be configured in two ways: 1M (standard), and 4M
using memory upgrades.
The following chart summarizes the various SIMM configurations the MacPlus
will support.
RAM Bank A Bank B Resistor (R8) Resistor (R9)
----- ------- ------- -------------- --------------
1 M Two 256K SIMMs Two 256K SIMMs Present Removed
4 M Two 1M SIMMs Two 1M SIMMs Removed Removed
Parameter RAM
=============
A "Tip-of-the-Hat" to Mark Nutter of Clinton Computer, Laurel for the
following:
Recently, our service department has had a rash of Mac II's suffering from the
same symptoms: The customer was playing a public domain/ShareWare game, or
running some other program not known to be compatible with the Mac II, and
suffered a system crash. When the customer tried to re-boot from the internal
hard disk, the Mac would behave as though the hard disk was not there (disk
icon with flashing question mark). If the customer put in a floppy disk with
a good system on it, the computer boots fine and even shows the hard disk.
The first three Mac's that came in with those symptoms checked out OK on the
diagnostics, but still wouldn't boot. While a motherboard swap would correct
the problem, there were too many units coming in for this to be prudent.
We called Apple Tech Support, who suggested using Command-Shift-Option while
selecting Control panel, which will allow you to reset the Parameter RAM. It
works! Some public domain programs are apparently prone to mess up the PRAM
on the Mac II, resulting in these symptoms; fortunately, the solution is
simple.
Mac to IBM Connection
=====================
Q: How can I connect a MacPlus to an IBM for ASCII file transfer?
A: To connect a MacPlus to an IBM PC or XT, you will need a null modem cable
(Standard RS232) with Transmit and Receive reversed. You will need to use
appropriate terminal software on both ends: MacTerminal on the Mac side, and
any terminal package on the IBM side capable of transferring ASCII text files.
Mac to Dec/VAX
==============
Q: How can I connect a Mac to a Dec/Vax?
A: You can use MacTerminal as a VT100 emulator to connect your Macintosh to a
DEC, either directly or via a modem. Below are the pinouts for the cable
you'll need to make if you decide to connect directly.
DB-9 DB-25
Macintosh DEC VAX
Chassis Ground *1 <---> 1 Chassis Ground
*8
Signal Ground 3 <---> 7 Signal Ground
Output; Transmit Data 5 <---> 2 Input; Transmit Data
Input; Handshake 7 <---> 6 Output; Data Set Ready
Input; Receive Data 9 <---> 3 Output; Receive Data
+12-Volt Line 6 <---> 20 Input; Data Terminal Ready
*NOTE: There are many variations on connecting pins 1, 3 and 8, but the basic
intent is to bring all three of those pins to ground on the Macintosh
side. Connect Signal Ground to Chassis Ground if you want a slightly
better noise margin.
If this configuration doesn't work, try these additional cable connections:
+12-Volt Line 6 <---> 4 Input; Request to Send
Input; Handshake 7 <---> 8 Output; Data Carrier Detect
Input; Handshake 7 <---> 5 Output; Clear to Send
Microsoft Works, Now!
====================
As you probably know, Microsoft Works (TM)is not compatible, "out of the box",
with the Macintosh II. The good news is that Microsoft (R) has a patch for
Works that works!
Adobe Downloadable Fonts
========================
The Font Initializer software that keys Adobe's downloadable fonts to a
particular printer is incompatible with the Universal System (4.1) release.
This application will bomb with various ID='s during launch.
For those users who have already upgraded to the Universal System (4.1/5.5),
and need to install new Adobe downloadable fonts, there is a workaround. Start
your Macintosh with the system file on the initializer disk, which is 3.2/5.3
and proceed with the initialization as normal. After successfully performing
this operation, you can restart under the new system, and the font will be
there, ready to use.
SIMM Deployment
===============
Q: What would happen if Group B SIMMS are larger than Group A SIMMS on a Mac
CPU?
A: If B has a larger capacity than A, the additional memory of the B won't be
recognized by Mac software. With NO RAM in Group A, the Mac won't even start
up, even though there may be RAM in B. Remember that Group A must have the
higher density SIMMs AND must be completely populated before you add SIMMs to
Group B.
Seeing Disk Space when Viewing Files by Name
============================================
Q: Is there any way that I can see remaining disk space when I choose the
option to view files by name?
A: Not a direct way. However, you can open up an empty window, set it to view
by Icon, and leave it on your desktop. You will then be able to check on
available disk space at a glance.
WANG to Mac, Can It Be Done?
============================
Q: I have a customer who wants to buy a Mac, and the only thing holding up
the sale is that he has to be able to connect the Mac to his WANG. I don't
know how. Can you help me make this sale?
A: We'll be happy to! There is a way to connect Macs to WANG. You can get
in touch with DataViz and obtain information about their product MacLink -
Wang PC Version.
DataViz
(203) 866-4944
16 Winfield Street
Norwalk, CT 06855
DISK DRIVES
ProFile on Any Other System...
==============================
Q: I have several users who have asked whether a ProFile used on an Apple III
or on a Macintosh XL will work on any other system. They are considering
buying IIe's and IIgs' but don't want to find themselves having to use their
ProFiles for doorstops or paperweights!
A: Mighty expensive doorstops and paperweights they'd make, to be sure!
Fortunately, however, the ProFile is compatible with both the IIe and the
IIgs, and can be used on both systems after they are reformatted. Be sure to
check page 5.4 in the GS Technical Procedures manual for information on
modifying the ProFile interface card for use with the GS.
Which 800K Drive Can I Use?
===========================
Q: I have just connected an Apple 3.5 Drive to my Apple //c and cannot get the
system to acknowledge the drive. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: Below is a chart showing 800K 3.5 Drive compatibility for all Apple
CPU's:
//e | //c | //GS | Macintosh | Macintosh II
| | | 128K/512K/512KE |
| | | Macintosh Plus |
Drive | | | Macintosh SE |
=====================|=======|=======|==================|=====================
UniDisk 3.5 X | X | X | | External diskette
(white case) | | | | Drives not
A2M2053 | | | | Supported
---------------------|-------|-------|------------------|---------------------
Apple 3.5 | | X | X | External diskette
(platinum case) | | | | Drives not
A9M0106 | | | | Supported
---------------------|-------|-------|------------------|---------------------
Macintosh 800K Ext. | | | X | External diskette
(beige case) | | | | Drives not
M0131 | | | except 128K | Supported
==============================================================================
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Apple Magazines - An Important Resource
One of the most often overlooked resources that any Dealer can have on hand
are the Apple specific magazines: They are full of excellent articles,
reviews and advertisements that can add greatly to your list of resources.
This week, we would like to features some of those magazines.
The Macintosh Buyer's Guide
---------------------------
This publication is published Quarterly by Redgate Publishing Company, and
includes:
NEW PRODUCT LISTINGS, which includes a description of products that have
become available since their last issue.
DIRECTORY, which includes every product listed in the Mac Buyer's Guide Data
Base, arranged by category.
REVIEWS, which include a number of reviews written by indepenedent reviewers
and users, not based on product information provided by vendors.
ARTICLES, staff written, that reflect Mac Buyer's Guide's impression of
products and subjects.
Subscription Information: 305/231-6904
MacUSER
-------
MacUser is published monthly by Ziff-Davis Publishing Co. Its regular
features include the following departments:
LETTERS in which readers comment on products and other issues
NEW ON THE MENU which has the latest updates and rumors
QUICK CLICKS which include short reviews of products
TIP SHEETS providing Mac hints, tips and shortcuts
MINIFINDERS which contains hundreds of mini-reviews
STRIP SHOW - a page of programs for Softstrip format
ENTERTAINMENT, RESOURCES and FEATURE ARTICLES
Subscription Information: 1/800-MAC-USER
MACWORLD
--------
MacWorld is published monthly by PC World Communications, Inc., and includes
the following departments:
MACWARE REVIEWS which contain short assessments of a number of products
OPEN WINDOW which is an exchange of Mac discoveries and tips
COMMUNITY which reports on the use of Macs in foreign countries
LETTERS [from readers]
MACWORLD VIEW
GET INFO
FEATURE ARTICLES and MAJOR REVIEWS
Subscription Information: 800/525-0643
NIBBLE [Apple II Family]
------
Nibble is published monthly by MicroSPARC and includes:
FEATURE ARTICLES
REVIEW BOARD containing feature length reviews of products
A WIDE RANGE OF Application/utility/entertainment/educational type-in
program listings.
LETTERS FROM READERS
ON THE SCENE - Difficult questions from readers answered
NIBBLE SOFTWARE CATALOG - Nibble type in programs available on disk
THE NIBBLE HOT LIST - top selling software listing
Subscription Information: 617/371-1660
NIBBLE MAC [Macintosh Family]
----------
Similar in layout and content to NIBBLE. Published also by MircroSPARC.
Subscription Information: As noted above.
A+
--
A+ is published by Ziff-Davis Publishing Co., and contains these departments:
LETTERS from readers
NEWS+ which is an "inside" source for developments and trends in the
personal-computer industry
GRAPHICS
BOOKS, providing information about Apple, computer and programming related
publications
RESCUE SQUAD, containing questions from readers about problems they are
having
PIPELINE, a compendium of new products for the entire Apple-computer line
THOUGHTWARE, a monthly column covering various Apple topics
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, which contains reviews of several entertainment
programs
REVIEWS
FEATURE ARTICLES
Subscription Information: Ziff-Davis Publishing, One Park Ave., NY, NY 10016
Each of these publications features a Product Information Reader Service Card
for obtaining more information about all the products mentioned in the
magazine, each issue.
These magazines can become an invaluable source for those consumer questions
that start out "Do you know if there's a program that will..." or "Do you know
if XXX can do...", and the price of a subscription for your store can
potentially reward you with satisfied customers and increased sales.
TECH.EAST
International AppleCare?
========================
Q: Is there such a thing as International AppleCare? Or is AppleCare
purchased in the US valid overseas?
A: AppleCare purchased in the U.S. is valid only in the U.S., and there is no
International AppleCare. Some foreign countries offer an extended warranty,
but most do not. You would need to query the dealers in each country
individually to determine if they offer AppleCare. For the addresses of the
Apple International Service Offices, please refer to your Apple Service
Programs Binder under Level II, beginning with page 4.1.4.
Apple's limited warranty is valid only in the country of purchase. A
defective unit must be returned to the country of purchase if service is
desired under warranty. Apple dealers overseas are capable of servicing the
equipment designed for their country only.
Copyright, August 14,1987 Apple Computer, Inc., East Coast Technical Support.
Permission is hereby granted for the use of Tech Tidbits, in part or in whole,
in any non-commercial publication, or for use by any non-commercial group or
organization or Apple User Group with the following credit: Reprinted from
"Tech Tidbits" with the permission of Apple Computer, Inc., East Coast
Technical Support." Permission to use "Tech Tidbits", in part or in whole, for
commercial use must first be obtained in writing.
Sue Goodin, Editor-In-Chief.
AppleLink Address: Goodin2
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Jonathan Bing, Master (cheeser) ...ihnp4!hoptoad!dasys1!cheeser
Time flys like an Arrow, Fruit Flies like Bananas!
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